Kevin Pietersen can win England games in India, says Andrew Strauss, as he gives (cautious) seal of approval

Former England captain Andrew Strauss, who retired from the game at the height
of the Kevin Pietersen text furore, has given his cautious approval for the
return of the controversial batsman, but has stressed that work still has to
be done to repair the damage done by his actions.

Second chance: Kevin Pietersen is back in the England reckoningPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Speaking in St Andrews, where he is taking part in the pro-celebrity part of the Dunhill Links Championship, Strauss admitted his surprised that Pietersen had been brought back into the England fold so quickly, but added that he has faith in those who made the decision.

"I didn't think it was going to happen this quickly," said Strauss. "I don't know how the meetings have been going with the ECB and Andy (Flower, the England coach), but they obviously feel that they've been given assurances. Once he's back in the side it's very important that people move on.

"It's obviously been a difficult situation for everyone really. If Andy and Cooky (Alastair Cook) and the ECB think the time is right now then obviously we all need to get behind them.

"We all know what Kevin is capable of. He can show that in India and help them win some Test matches."

Following Pietersen's summer of contract wrangles and intrigue over texts sent to opposition South Africa players during the Headingley Test, the 32 year-old was ex-communicated by England.

Strauss, meanwhile, stood down from all levels of cricket, but said that his decision had been prompted by poor form and had nothing to do with Pietersen.

However, he has made it clear that Pietersen's return to the England squad is just the first step towards building bridges with the rest of the team.

Strauss added: "I think a lot of what should happen now is that people have to sit down and be honest with each other, saying how they felt and getting it out of their systems and then clearing the way to move forward.

"That's a big part of it. But also, it's about commitment to England and the principles and standards by which the team operates. That's an important part of it and hopefully those issues have been addressed now."

The timetable for a successful process extends until the end of this year. But if it is to be completed so that Pietersen can be added to the squad to leave for India - via a training camp in Dubai - on Oct 25, swift progress must be made.

Asked if he believes that may be possible, Pietersen said: "I hope so. I want to play for England as soon as I can.

"The process has started really well - and I believe, all being well, I'll be back in an England shirt as soon as possible.

"I really do believe that we have got a very good opportunity here for everything to be sorted. We're all human beings; we all make mistakes. I've apologised for them."